The doctrine of a Pre-Tribulation Rapture (“catching away”) of true Christians prior to the appearance of the Antichrist and his reign of tribulation terror over the earth is not biblical.
What’s more, the doctrine not only offers false hope, it is a devastating doctrine. As shown in the previous two articles, the argument for pre-trib doctrine is not based upon scriptures but the presence or absence of some side issue.
Let us examine the next section of the document by Richard L. Mayhue Page 5(245). In this one also the author says that the epistles do not have reference to the coming tribulation.
The Epistles Contain No Preparatory Warnings of an Impending Tribulation for Church-Age Believers
God’s instructions to the church through the epistles contain a variety of warnings but never do they warn believers to prepare for entering and enduring the tribulation of Daniel’s seventieth week.
They warn vigorously about coming error and false prophets (see Acts 20:29-30; 2 Pet 2:1; 1 John 4:1-3; Jude 4). They warn against ungodly living (see Eph 4:25–5:7; 1 Thess 4:3-8; Heb 12:1). They even admonish believers to endure in the midst of present tribulation (see 1 Thess 2:13-14; 2 Thess 1:4; all of 1 Peter).
However, there is absolute silence on preparing the church for any kind of tribulation like that found in Revelation 6–18.
It is incongruous, then, that the Scriptures would be silent about such a traumatic change for the church. If any time of the rapture other than pre-tribulational were true, one would expect the epistles to teach the fact of the church in the tribulation, the purpose of the church in the tribulation, and the conduct of the church in the tribulation. However, there is no teaching whatsoever. Only a pre-tribulational
rapture satisfactorily explains such obvious silence
The Epistles Contain No Preparatory Warnings of an Impending Tribulation for Church-Age Believers?
I would like to know from the writer of this document about the version of the Bible he is using. This is because the Bible I have with me has so many references to Tribulation.
The word Tribulation is called θλίψις(thlipsis) in Greek. Great Tribulation is called θλίψις μεγάλη (thlipsis megalē). Megalē in Greek means Mega in English. Needless to say Mega means big in Size. The earlier tribulations were concentrated in specific geographic places. However, the coming Tribulation will cover a larger area and the majority of the population.
The maximum a tribulation can bring is one’s physical death. It cannot go beyond that.
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matt 10:28
The tribulation that will come at the end of this age (HEEL of the BODY) will be the final test for the church. This is in line with the Promise in Gen 3:15
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring[a] and hers;
he will crush[b] your head, and you will strike his heel.” Gen 3:15
This “heel striking” is what we see in the Great Tribulation. Remember that the Church is the Body of Christ. A crushing of head without the bruising of the heel is not the Gospel of Christ.
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:20
The expectation of Tribulation by the Church
The Apostles expected Tribulation before the coming of the Lord. They were also warned by the Lord that Tribulation was part of their way to Heaven. Some of them also did misunderstand that Nero was the AntiChrist figure. However, they realized soon that this is just the start of one of those many tribulations which will end up with a worldwide Great Tribulation ( thlipsis megalē). Consider the following verses and tell me if Tribulation was not warned in our lives as claimed by the author Richard L. Mayhue.
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Luke 13:24
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 1 Thess 3:3
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[h] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:18-23
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Rom 8:35
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith(Tribulation) worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 and patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Rom 5:3-5
3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters,[b] and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
5 All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result, you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might 10 on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you because you believed our testimony to you.
11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thess 1:3-12
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a]
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 1 Peter 4:12-19
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 2 Tim 3:12
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Rev 2:10
Conclusion
Aren’t the above verses enough for anybody to understand that Tribulation was part and parcel of Early Christians. If we now think that we do not have to take part in Tribulation, it just means we have no part with them.
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 2 Tim 2:12 (Did you note the Big IF?).
People(Pre-tribulation proponents) who have problems with suffering for Christ are DENYING CHRIST. Christianity in modern times is so strange than what was believed by early Church fathers. Aren’t we telling that we failed Jesus for the question he raised?
I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?“ Luke 18:8
Why are we afraid of our Faith Being Tested(Of course by Tribulation)?
Isn’t it because we do not have any Faith? Isn’t our Faith in Jesus an empty shell which we use to benefit our material lives on earth? Aren’t we those miserable people whom Paul Mentioned?
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 1 Cor 15:19
Genuine faith will always be tested. It was expected by Peter and other apostles. Do you want to go with the Apostles or these modern-day liars?
These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honour on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Pet 1:7
The Danger of not expecting the Tribulation is also mentioned in the Bible. I am sure most of today’s Christians will be victims of this doctrine which says that we will be out of this world before tribulation hits us.
10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matt 24:10-13
But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron 1 Tim 4:1-2
I plead with you to wake up and don’t be dulled by this Pre-Trib Doctrine that is putting you to sleep. You will face tribulation and will your hands be strong when the Lord demands of you?
Wondering why there is not many comments on these articles. I think everyone got a shock out of this. Super done article admin. I love this. I think 95%of pentecostal churches teaches pre tribs. Let God be true and every man is a liar. This will turn out to be great shock to many.
Yes this is a very bitter pill to swallow.
@ Sonny—–I think 95%of pentecostal churches teaches pre tribs. Let God be true and every man is a liar. This will turn out to be great shock to many.
Some time ago on this same site there was one reader’s comment appeared about the existence of dual playing christian group in the TPM Sunday School ministry. One brother by anonymous name D.Anbu raised the issue that he wanted Bro ADMN to drum beat and expose the dual playing CHRISTIANS that the TPM CULT is supposedly shielding under the garb of serving SUNDAY SCHOOL Minnistry.!
Bro. D.Anbu’s grouse was that many scheduled caste -adi dravid/andhra CHRISTIANS were rampant in thIs TPM CULT ministry ( mainly in South India- F.H’s)and they were appointed as as SUNDAY SCHOOL -Head Masters.But at the same time in their social job situation ,these Sunday School Head Masters who are actually classified as Scheduled Caste/tribe under the present social system ( law of the land) enjoy all the benefits that accrue to them under the constitution of India. SC/ST acts
Then I commented to the said reader with the same verse that this EPISODE—Rapture Series – Pre-Trib vs Post Trib – 3 —–quoted 1 PETER 4:12-19.
16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a]
The same reader D. Anbu never came back with any reply since then till date.
If this small/little persecutions become a sort of hindrances to these Sunday School Head Masters,how can one expect that they could face more persecutions in the coming days?
And more pertinently this TPM CULT would shield them by giving them posts as SS HM’s just because they are little bit educated and dupe the public.
These SS HEAD MASTERS don’t read the Bible thoroughly , and what ever this CULT spoon feed them about the RAPTURE THEORY/
Pre-Trib printed in the SS SYLLABUS books ,they simply parrot speak to the poor innocent children in the SS Classes.and misguide them.
We ,as wise elders should ponder over the present state of affairs what’s going on in these TPM CULT ministry and think how can we arert /identify these frauds so that better education is imparted to them through this blessed site that these fallacies are not propagated to the christian community. as a whole.
Casteism is a REAL social evil that this great country is gripped with.
We should ponder over this serious matter if not today but tomorrow.
I debated this matter in detail in those concerned episodes. But not a single soul leave about many evinced keen interest in these columns .
As our beloved Brother ADMN says ,it might have acted as a bitter pill .
This is to further to supplement the line of argument why Pre-Trib concept is clearly a false notion.
If his argument on Pre-Trib stands on sound footing , how come the ‘ document’ author Richard L. Mayhue Page 5(245).could not find any single Scriptural reference?
In the book of ACTS 14 th chapter,22 nd verse it clearly highlights that Pre-Trib precept is a bundle of contradiction.Who ever brought forth it ,it was wrong.
12″Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
That shows the Apostles did expect Tribulation before the coming of the Lord. They were also warned by the Lord that Tribulation was part of their way to Heaven.
Better the writer should alone answer .
@Eagle’s Eye
Good Verse !!!
@ ADMN
A BIG THANK YOU ADMN brother,please up the good word done by NMSTF brother. who shot the ‘document’ to you,that in turn resulted in bringing a beautiful subject of PRE-TRIB into fore.For this I aptly commend NMSTF brother, since it is HOLY SPIRIT God that prompted him to bring this ‘document’ to your kind attention for conducting an active debate.Now the whole TPM CULT should put its head down in utter shame for propagating these false doctrines.This is a classic example how the father of ‘LIES’will put the people into believing the lies in these end times.The HOLY SPIRIT GOD did never keep His people under the state of confusion. As you knew well, the book of ACTS aptly answers to our view point..
To provide a guide. Luke had no way of knowing how long the church would continue on this earth, but as long as it pursues its course, the book of Acts will be one of our major guides. In Acts we see basic principles being applied to specific situations in the context of problems and persecutions. These same principles continue to be applicable until Christ returns.
To depict the triumph of Christianity in the face of bitter persecution. The success of the church in carrying the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome and in planting local churches across the Roman empire demonstrated that Christianity was not a merely human work. It triumphed under the rule of the exalted Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.God is clearly watching us.
Looking forward for more inter active debates like these.
Dear Admin,
What is your view on of the below verses, which seem to also show some form of escape? Also all verses referred in articles here about undergoing persecution, how do we prove they all refer to tribulation by anti-christ and not by fanatics who persecute us? So what is the indication that church is already in tribulation or already under antichrist persecution? do you say that there is no beginning period for the tribulation of the church? please prove with scripture with proper context
Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man
Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
1 Corinthians 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
Persecution was never an Option for the Church of God(2 Tim 3:12, Acts 14:22). It was there with the Church right from the Beginning. However, in the context of the Great Tribulation(Mega Thlipsis), it will be a worldwide event of mass persecution not witnessed yet at any time. So even though the epitome of the End time persecution is the AntiChrist, on a personal level each of us will go through it at the hands of the enemies of the Gospel.
To identify whether the Great Tribulation has started or not, we have an event which is prophesied by the Lord Jesus and also by Paul the Apostle. Please check both these verses.
“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’[a] spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— Matt 24:15
3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness[a] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshipped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. 2 Thess 2:3-4
As the above event has not yet occurred, we have not yet entered the Great Tribulation.
// Luke 21:36 Watch ye, therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
This speaks about escaping certain things that befall the general people. This is not about AVOIDING but ESCAPING. For eg. I Escaped from the Prison. It means I was in the prison but got out of it without any damage..
The same can be said when you Pray to ESCAPE the Covid-19 Pandemic that is sweeping this world.
Alternatively, WHY SHOULD THE CHURCH PRAY TO ESCAPE AND EVENT WHICH IT WILL NEVER GO THROUGH? Have you thought about it?
//Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
If the church is already raptured by then, there is no reason to say this verse. The word used for I WILL KEEP YOU is in context with PRESERVING AMIDST THE TRIBULATION. The word EK TEREO is the same as is used in the context of John 17:15 where Jesus is praying to the Father NOT to REMOVE his disciples from the World, but to KEEP THEM SAFE from the Evil One. In this context, the CHURCH WILL DWELL UPON THE EARTH as said in the verse. However, they will be preserved from any spiritual damage.
//1 Corinthians 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
I did not understand how did this get linked to the Rapture and End time events. Is not this scripture speaking about we judging ourselves and correcting so that we are not receiving the Condemnation of God? The end-time wrath outpouring is for the wicked and not for the Church. However, we should not confuse the wrath of God to the Tribulation. The Tribulation is the Wrath of Satan on God’s People but the Wrath Of God is on the wicked ones.
Brilliant exposition of these verses, Brother.
Thank you as I was also asked the same question a few weeks back from someone in the Gulf, where a visiting non TPM Pentecostal wolf was using the exact same two verses which are quoted above to defend his pretrib rapture position, I was not able to explain it as well as you have done here. I will share this with them.
I was a Sunday School Student in TPM and their syllabus taught me rapture will take place before tribulation. Even pastors used to preach in bible study that we will escape the tribulation in the secret coming of the Lord. Once my mom heard a sermon concerning the tribulation that the church have to go through before the coming of the Lord by pastors from different denomination. She was troubled in her spirit when she heard that and consulted a pastor in TPM. He then consoled her saying tribulation is not for the church of God which is to be caught up in the second coming of the Lord. He also advised her not to listen to other doctrinal messages given by pastors in other denominations because she will be confused then. I believed them too and taught the church don’t have to suffer the tribulation.
But graciously God has opened my eyes to see the truth. I thank God for his mercy.
Hi Jeba,
Good that you are delivered from this cult. Can you give a testimony in this site how God delivered you and your experiences with TPM ?
Reg,
Surya K
i will for sure brother but not now. When time permits I will share.